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Wales Travel Guide

Wales — Overview

Wales is a charming collage of rugged greenery and pretty beaches. The landscape is speckled with ancient castles and quaint villages, and a proud national identity is laced with deep traditions and enchanting folklore.

Sheep-strewn mountains and leafy conservation areas make up a large portion of the country, with national parks Snowdonia, the Pembrokeshire Coast and the Brecon Beacons offering beautiful rambling trails and mountain biking routes.

The Welsh coastline is some of the most attractive in the UK. Cardigan Bay is a popular choice for sandy spots, while up and down the Welsh shore, deserted coves and secluded stretches are just around the corner for those willing to explore.

While strong tradition rings proud in the valleys and villages, the buzzing capital city Cardiff is a thoroughly modern affair. Visitors can enjoy electric nightlife, world-class cuisine and a thriving music scene, and then take a breather in one of the city's wide green spaces.

Geography

Wales is a country of great geographical variation with many long stretches of attractive and often rugged coastline. South Wales is mainly known for its industrial heritage but the western part of the coast between Carmarthen Bay and St David’s is similar to that of the more pastoral west country of England, and backed by some equally beautiful countryside.

The scenery of Mid Wales includes rich farming valleys, the broad sandy sweep of Cardigan Bay and rolling hill country. North Wales is one of the most popular tourist areas in the British Isles, with many lively coastal resorts. Inland, the region of Snowdonia has long been popular with walkers and climbers. Much of the central inland area of the country is mountainous, with some breathtaking scenery.